Candy, Please!

I have heard these two words countless times today! Claire couldn't wait to get her little hands on some candy. We first took her trick or treating in the mall. It was so crowded. We learned our lesson because next year we are going to have to get there much earlier! We waited in line to get a map and a free bag.

Waving at some kids in costumes.

We were so surprised that most of the stores were out of candy before we even started.

Had to get a family shot...

Are you laughing at my crazy picture?

We stopped to take a picture on the bridge.

Claire insisted on walking the whole way around the mall carrying her bag. Charlie kept periodically putting candy in her mouth. Don't worry, her teeth got a really good brushing tonight!

Anyone want to guess where this picture was taken? Mom needed to have fun too!

Claire slept a little on the way home, but it was already four o'clock so she didn't sleep long. We ate dinner and then went out in our neighborhood. I was curious how popular trick or treating would be here. We saw lots and lots of kids. We took Claire to just a few houses. She got pretty good at knocking on the doors and saying "trick or treat", "thank you", and "bye bye."

Claire on our front porch.

Some spooky houses :)

We really liked the decor on this house. They had the "Thriller" video playing on their garage. When we got home we sorted the candy into "Claire's" and "Mommy and Daddy's" bowls. I am noticing right now that our candy bowl is getting suspiciously low...I haven't even had one piece yet! Hope you had a happy Halloween!

Sea Life Caverns

Today we checked out Sea Life Caverns. It is a little aquarium under the mall. We knew Claire would love looking at the fish!

First, we saw some snakes, frogs, and lizards.

Then, we saw the penguins. I love the penguins!

Claire decided to count the penguins. She kept saying "one, two, one, two." Hmm...I wonder if she will be a math teacher like my Mom? She might need some work! :)

The penguins were right across from the big tank of turtles, angel fish, and sharks.

We walked back over to the penguins. We looked for a couple of minutes and then one penguin decided to take a swim. He jumped in and swam right over to Claire's hands. He kept coming back to her; we couldn't believe it!

Claire's penguin friend.

I could have sat there forever, but Charlie wanted to pet a stingray.

He said they felt like jello!

Then, we watched a short reptile show on an iguana.

Charlie, Claire, and Oscar the iguana

We enjoyed seeing the fish...and it wore Claire out. She was asleep before we even left the parking lot! I can't wait to take her trick-or-treating tomorrow!

Snow? NO!

This morning we woke up to snow! I can't believe we didn't make it to Halloween before we got snow!

Looking out our back door.

Claire spent all morning looking at the snow out the door and asking to see it out the window. Gus was less than thrilled. He is not going to be happy about pottying in the snow we will have all winter...poor dog.
When Charlie came home, he took Claire out to get the mail. She got to wear all of her new winter stuff. She was so excited about her hat, coat, mittens, and boots!

Kissing Daddy for taking her to get the mail!

I am preparing myself. I know this small amount of snow is only the beginning! Yikes!

West Edmonton Mall

We really enjoy this mall. It is the largest mall in North America and Charlie told me today that even though we have been several times, there is still a phase of the mall we haven't seen! I think we might end up here at lot in the winter (who am I kidding? I already am there enough as it is!. I just love to shop! :)

Some features of this mall include:
-over 800 stores
-indoor ice palace
-bowling alley/pool hall/arcade
-Fantasyland Hotel
-glow in the dark putt putt course
-indoor shooting range
-petting zoo
-indoor skateboarding park
-Gold's Gym
-Dinner Theatre
-Santa Maria replica
-IMAX theatre
-water park
and this is only naming a few!!

Ice Palace...Claire loves to watch the skaters!

Fantasyland Hotel

Santa Maria replica...we have seen parties on here before.

We went up to the IMAX theatre to get a picture of the dragon. We were sad because the dragon was not breathing fire today.

Then, we noticed the sea lion show was about to start! We had never seen the show before. It was really good! I think we will go back sometime and pay to see the show on the bleachers.

Cute sea lion, huh?

Look at all of the people lined up to see the show!

We noticed the Christmas trees were being unpacked...

And I saved the best for last...the waterpark!

We started walking back to the car. It was a long day for Claire and she was exhausted. I looked up at her a few minutes later and she had just fallen asleep on Charlie's shoulders. It was so funny!

Time to go home!

Halloween Trick or Treat Festival at Galaxyland

Today we joined some friends and went trick or treating at Galaxyland. Galaxyland is a part of the West Edmonton Mall and Claire was super excited to go, wear her butterfly costume, and ride the train!

Riding the Galaxyland Express!

We have really enjoyed all of the activities that have been free for Claire. She received a stamp, treat bag, and map. We were able to ride some rides and stop at seven tables to get candy or small toys. She had such a great time, and we did too!

It is really hard to capture just how much is going on in this small space. They have jammed so many rides in Galaxyland and everytime we come there is something else we didn't notice before.

My friend, Charlie, and I rode the roller coaster MindBender. It was named right; I don't think I have EVER been on such a fast roller coaster.

Charlie rode bravely by himself.

Then, we put Claire on a car ride. She was so funny in her little car. She had just gotten a candy bracelet and couldn't decide whether to eat the bracelet or enjoy the ride...or both!

Mmmmm...good candy!

We rode a couple more rides, and after that we were hot and ready to go. What Halloween fun we had today!

The Things We Learned Today...

Lately, Claire has really taken off in her learning and it seems like there is something new every single day! Today was no exception...so here are some things she (and I) learned today.
1) Claire is NOT to be trusted with babies! Today at gymnastics she was dying to touch a baby and much to my surprise a mom with a baby brought her baby down to Claire's level. Of course, Claire attacked and wanted to grab her face, and feet, and...well...everything. I was sooo embarrassed!
2) The stroller is a new way to run over Gus (the dog)!! She chased him all over the house today saying, "funny!...funny!"
3) Claire has been using a lot of "I want" sentences...today she added.."MOMMY, I want juice!" Hmm...she definitely got my attention!
4) Claire's new favorite person to watch Elmo with is Daddy! Here they are sitting together...

There must be something about hitting 21 months old...Claire is a new person everyday! It is hard to know what tomorrow will bring! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Okay, so having Thanksgiving on October 11th has been a bit weird for me. I think I can get used to it, but I was sad to not have my Mom and Mother-in-law's cooking or to see football or family members running around, but we did have a wonderful time with new friends. We planned a dinner with our good friends from church and it was a lot of fun!
I had never cooked for Thanksgiving before....well there was that one pie a few years ago that was made from a can....but other than that this was a big deal for me!

I made the corn, sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes. Charlie made a chocolate-peanut butter pie. And our friends brought ham, rolls, and punch!

I am very thankful to have made such great friends so quickly after moving here. God has blessed us in this new place!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!